SYLVANIA, Ohio — Opening a restaurant almost always comes with a challenge, but right now, the challenge is even greater. Nevertheless, Jeremy Fitzgerald is ready to welcome customers into the new Village Inn, or the "VI" in Sylvania.
"The whole city of Sylvania, everyone is so excited for it, it's been such a staple for Sylvania. We've put a lot of hard work into it, everyone is going to be shocked when they walk in and see the place, how different it looks," Fitzgerald said.
The old Village Inn shut down after receiving multiple health code violations in 2018. The inside of the building has gotten a face-lift and taken on a Sylvania Schools theme.
"Customers can expect to see Northview and Southview memorabilia, you might be walking in there and see your grandparents from 1970 or 1975," Fitzgerald said.
Originally, the "VI" was scheduled to open up the week Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered restaurants and bars to close.
Now, after months of anxiously waiting, owners are very excited to finally open their doors to the public.
Fitzgerald explained planning the opening during a pandemic was not ideal. They have put up plastic barriers and posted sanitation protocols to let customers know they are prepared.
"It makes it a little more difficult to be excited about our honeymoon phase because we want to bring in all our friends and family and everyone that's been wanting to see the place. So, the restrictions definitely make it much more challenging," Fitzgerald said.
The restaurant will be open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and at 11:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
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